Greater Williamsburg Chamber: Economic Growth continues to be Most Important Public Policy Issue for Alliance Member; Best Chamber Practices: Craft Food Workshop – a joint Dandelion Foods and Mississippi Mills Chamber workshop April 2; Indy Chamber idea: Maker-space movement touches down in Indy; Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Chamber event: Refresh Live Leadership Simulcast; Chamber interest: Legislators back bill for Arkansas state police; Western Chicagoland Suburbs Welcome Two-Time ‘Shark Tanker,’ Dave Alwan to Multi-Chamber Event; The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg Business Assistance Programs: Economic Development; Georgetown/South County Chamber Best Chamber Practices: Leadership Scott County; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude)

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Greater Williamsburg Chamber: Economic  Growth continues to be Most Important Public Policy Issue for Alliance Members

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance released results for their 2015 Economic Outlook Survey today.  The survey, completed by 94 area businesses, about 12% of membership, marks the sixth year for collecting the data from Alliance member businesses.

Economic growth remains the top public policy issue for the respondents followed by tourism and the attraction of new businesses. Some differences in public policy issues from the previous year included transportation, housing cost, and heath care. There is slightly less concern with transportation, 28% to 20%, possibly because the expansion of Interstate 64 is gearing up to happen. There is more concern for housing costs and availability, from 17% last year to 35% this year. Health care has become less of a concern, 45% to 23%.

This year, 34% of members plan to expand their business this year, 96% plan to stay here in Williamsburg and not relocate, and 38% anticipate increasing their employment level. Other good news includes 69% of members expect that their business revenues will increase in the coming year. This is up from the 63% last year. In a new question this year, the Alliance asked what may be the cause of increased revenues. Forty two percent of business members expect the higher business revenues to be a result of increased marketing, 30% believe the increase comes from increased demand, and 27% believe general market improvement.

In the coming year, 63% of business members believe their expenditures will increase coming from higher marketing expenditures, development of new products, and higher compensation for existing employees. Fifty two percent of businesses predict these expenditures will lead to an increase in profits.

The Alliance conducts the membership economic outlook survey annually and shares the data with area municipal leaders to convey the changes in economic outlook of area businesses.

 

Best Chamber Practices: Craft Food Workshop – a joint Dandelion Foods and Mississippi Mills Chamber workshop April 2

Dandelion Foods and the Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce a new workshop series aimed at individuals and businesses looking to start, grow and expand their craft food business.

The Business of Craft Foods will aim to help local food entrepreneurs transform their passion for food into artisan & value-added food businesses. Through a series of expert speakers, panel discussions and networking opportunities, these sessions will offer participants critical and time saving information needed to launch a successful food business.

The kick-off event will feature a showcase presentations from successful food entrepreneurs, including Janet Campbell, owner and founder of Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Mustard, Equator Coffee Roasters’ owner Craig Hall, an overview of business resources from Susan Fournier of Valley Heartland, a panel discussion as well as more to be announced.  Subsequent sessions will include topics such as Laws, Labeling, and Marketing Strategies; Developing Your Business Plan & Financing Strategies; and Building Your Brand and Getting to Market. Read more: The Millstone

Indy Chamber idea: Maker-space movement touches down in Indy

The corner of Brookside Avenue and 10th Street, just off Massachusetts Avenue, could soon be the center of what city planners hope is a model to address industrial blight.

By fall, the site should be home to the city’s first “maker space”—a collaborative area where artisans have access to industrial tools and programming—housed in 30,000 square feet at the 539,000-square-foot Circle City Industrial Complex.

Named after the “maker movement,” similar spaces have emerged across the country. The Indy space will anchor the latest phase of redevelopment for the sprawling 1920s building, which was built as an automobile-fan factory but is now home to a variety of users ranging from industrial to artistic.

Teagen Development Inc., the building’s new owner, and Riley Area Development Corp. plan to renovate the south end of CCIC—a portion that is roughly 120,000 square feet.

The maker space will take up about a quarter of that, with the rest allotted for retailers, restaurants, offices and studios. The overall project is expected to cost $5 million. Read more: Indianapolis Business Journal

 

 

 

Eau Claire (Wisconsin) Chamber event: Refresh Live Leadership Simulcast

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Chippewa Valley Technical College
620 W Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54701

Back for its sixth year, the Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast brings a distinguished lineup of inspirational speakers directly to you. Each specifically chosen for their proven expertise and extraordinary accomplishments, this year’s speakers will share their insight on how to lead your business, inspire your team and live an influential life. The simulcast will be broadcast live from California to Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Business Education Center.
The 2015 Refresh Leadership Live Simulcast speakers include:
• Daymond John, CEO of FUBU and Shark Branding, and Co-Star on ABC's “Shark Tank”
• Dan Aykroyd, Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Musician, Businessman … Ghostbuster
• Liz Murray, Motivational Speaker and Bestselling author
This half-day event was designed with leaders like you in mind. Join us to learn about the power of great leadership, be motivated to reach your full potential and have a few laughs along the way. Read more: Eau Claire Chamber

Rogers-Lowell  & Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber interest: Legislators back bill for Arkansas state police

Money for a new headquarters for Arkansas State Police Troop L is close to approval in the state Legislature, lawmakers said at a forum Saturday.
"As far as regional issues go, this might be the most important one for us in this legislative session," said Sen. Jon Woods, R-Springdale.
Woods was among lawmakers speaking at a forum hosted by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce on Saturday morning at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
In 2011, state police bought 25 acres in Lowell for the facility. The agency had been trying since 2005 to buy land to build a new regional headquarters. Read more: Arkansas Online

Western Chicagoland Suburbs Welcome Two-Time ‘Shark Tanker,’ Dave Alwan to Multi-Chamber Event

The cattleman from Peoria will have a second chance on Shark Tank this week. If you miss it, your second chance to see him will be on Thursday, March 26^th, 2015 at the Multi-Chamber Spring Luncheon at Bobaks Signature Events in Woodridge Illinois.  Entrepreneur Dave Alwan of Echo Valley Meats Inc. will speak about opening up his own business and the trials and tribulations on his path to success, and of course, his two experiences on SHARK TANK. The event also features a business expo prior to the keynote; forty businesses from all over the region will be on display from 10:30 – 2:00. 

Dave auditioned for the ABC TV show Shark Tank during Season 4.  Though he didn’t secure a deal, the “sharks” liked his meat products, authenticity, and enthusiasm.  Not getting the Shark Tank deal still brought Dave Alwan many successes. After the show, online sales at Echo Valley Meats Inc. increased over 600%. Dave has also been asked to speak at many colleges, universities, corporations, and organizations across the country. Dave’s story of hard work and his common-sense approach to life and business will uplift and inspire you.

“Dave Alwan has a great story to tell; dreaming the big picture while taking calculated risks and hard work has been Dave’s formula for success. This is a [don’t miss] event, Dave is a motivational speaker to whom we can all relate. This event also provides an opportunity for phenomenal networking,” said Laura Crawford, President & CEO of Chamber630. 

Eighteen chamber of commerce organizations are participating in this event. Please visit www.chamber630.com; tickets are $35 each and seating is limited.

The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg Business Assistance Programs: Economic Development

The Chamber is the center of economic development services and programs in Northwest Ottawa County. We coordinate the area’s strategic planning process, provide data and contacts to potential new businesses and act as the primary marketer of the community to the outside world. We have also developed solid relationships with neighboring communities through the West Michigan Economic Development Coalition and have brought educators and employers together through our Business Education Partnerships programs.
Our focus is retaining and growing our existing businesses by bringing the resources they need to stay competitive in today’s global economy. We administer U.S. Small Business Administration 504 Loan funds, provide small business counseling and facilitate communication among local municipalities and the business community. We create opportunities for businesses to network with potential customers and peers and oversee an extensive training and workforce development initiative. When a business has needs outside The Chamber’s list of services, we refer them to the appropriate agency or person who can best help them to move forward.
Contact David Miller, Vice President Economic Development at 616.846.3153 for more information on any of the following. Read more: The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg


Georgetown/South County Chamber Best Chamber Practices: Leadership Scott County

 

Created in 1991, more than 400 community leaders have participated in the Leadership Scott County Program.  Monthly sessions (August – May) consisting of local history, education, government, agriculture, economics, health care and public services provide participants the background knowledge of our community while developing leadership skills.

With the formation of the Leadership Development Committee in 2004, the Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce has taken a lead role in the overview of the Leadership Scott County Program.  This committee will be responsible to ensure the consistency of the program mission from class to class.

View the Leadership Scott County Video.


Leadership Scott County
Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce
160 E. Main St.
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-5424Fax: (502) 863-5756  Contact Name: Laura Green  Or email: laura@gtown.org


Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotation: (Attitude) 

As you cannot do what you want, want what you can do.”

Leonardo da Vinci

Chamber education: Dale Carnegie Training comes to Madison, Indiana - Free preview sessions! Chamber advocate: Naperville’s Pulse in Springfield – Session has convened; Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce Administrative Professionals!; Christian County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Career Pathways Expo noon - 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville; Chamber interest: New name, next steps announced for Sioux Falls research park; Jeff Long discussed a changing culture in athletics at the University of Arkansas as the guest speaker of the annual Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Friday; Flint & Genesee Chamber and eTEAM awards local business owners; Chamber planning: Ocean Springs making preparations for 6th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Reasons to join the chamber!; Quincy (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce announces Dogwood parade theme; Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

Good morning Chamber world! Today is going to be a GREAT day!

Chamber education: Dale Carnegie Training comes to Madison, Indiana - Free preview sessions!

March 11 & March 18

6:00pm - 7:30pm - 301 E. Main Street

Register online or contact the Chamber office.

Effective Communications and Human Relations/Skills for Success

Look around at successful business people. You'll find that they are confident in their work and enthusiastic about getting things done, they are inspiring, and they empower others around them to succeed - they are engaged in all aspects of their work and life.

The world famous Dale Carnegie Course is the only organizational communication training program that is proven to make you more effective by boosting your engagement levels. Click the image to see how MSW ASR Research found Dale Carnegie Course graduates are more engaged.

This effective communication course will help you master the organizational communication skills demanded in today's tough business environment. You'll learn to strengthen interpersonal relationships, manage stress and handle fast-changing workplace conditions. You'll develop more effective communication skills and be better equipped to perform as a persuasive communicator, problem-solver and focused leader. And you'll develop a take-charge attitude initiated with confidence and enthusiasm. Read more: Madison Chamber & Industrial Development

Chamber advocate: Naperville’s Pulse in Springfield – Session has convened

For many, the beginning of March means spring’s ahead and time to say goodbye to winter for another year. But for the Illinois General Assembly, it means session has convened and Springfield is open for business. Since January’s inauguration, many events have occurred from receiving committee assignments to getting a first glimpse of the Governor’s budget turnaround plan, where I had the opportunity to have guests of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce join me in the state capitol.
At the beginning of February, I was excited to receive my first committee appointments for the new 99th General Assembly. The appointments were to the Small Business Empowerment & Workforce Development Committee, Appropriations Committee on Higher Education, House Special Committee on Special Needs & Services, Consumer Protection Committee, International Trade & Commerce Committee and the Public Utilities Committee.
To me, these appointments present a great opportunity to investigate the issues that have plagued our economic and education funding goals. I look forward to hearing ideas from local residents, the private sector and small businesses to develop a plan that can restructure the state’s failing economic agenda and its heinous budget cuts to education. Read more: Positively Naperville

Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce Administrative Professionals Event!

Administrative Professionals - individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession.
Research shows that many workers around the world still hold the “secretary” job title;

however, many alternative titles have become more popular, such as administrative assistant, office coordinator, administrative specialist, executive assistant and office manager.
Administrative Professionals Day is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays. Let’s celebrate together!
Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon
April 22; 11:30 am—1 pm - Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, 170 Malin Drive, Wytheville

Christian County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Career Pathways Expo noon - 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville

Originally, this event was previously scheduled for Feb. 19. Due to the inclement weather it has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 26.
Through a grant from the West Kentucky Workforce Investment Board this free Career Pathways Expo will provide job assistance for people throughout the local communities of Christian, Todd and Trigg. If you know someone who is looking for a part-time or full-time job, looking to explore career options or needs help with writing a resume, etc, this Career Expo is the right place for them to come.
Candidates of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend. Many companies will be prepared to interview on the spot for available positions in their companies. Please bring plenty of resumes and dress professionally.
Area high school students will be attending the Career Expo in the morning hours prior to the event opening to the community at noon. This will be a great opportunity to familiarize students with the process to obtain a job, explore career options and actually apply for a job if they want. Read more: surfkyNEWS

Chamber interest: New name, next steps announced for Sioux Falls research park

University of South Dakota Discovery District will be the name of a research park being developed in northwest Sioux Falls.
A master plan for the 80 acres at the southeast corner of 60th Street North and Marion Road has been finalized. During that process, the concept evolved to reflect national and international research park trends that support creating an area that feels like an urban village or innovation district. The new name reflects that approach, said Rich Naser, president of the park corporation.
“What we like about the name is that while research is a key component of what will go on in the district, it’s broader than research. That encompasses entrepreneurship and other activities and ‘district’ because it’s not a closed environment. It’s not a campus focused inward. It needs to be integrated with the rest of the Sioux Falls community.” Read more: Argus-Leader

 

Jeff Long discussed a changing culture in athletics at the University of Arkansas as the guest speaker of the annual Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Friday

Long started as athletic director at the university in 2007. He said there has been an effort to raise not only the athletic success but also the academic success of athletes since.

"We are not going to be a 'win-at-all-costs' institution," Long said.

Athletes at the school had 2.7- to 2.8-grade point averages about eight years ago, Long said. He said a goal was set for the athletes to meet a 3.2-grade point average. He said it's possible the athletes will meet that goal this semester.

"Just keeping the team eligible is doing nothing but keeping them eligible," Long said.

Graduation rates also are important, Long said. He said about 62 athletes were graduating every year. He said there are about 500 athletes attending the university each year.

"Sixty-two was not good enough," Long said. "This past May we graduated 114 student athletes. That is a change of culture." Read more: Arkansas Online

 

Flint & Genesee Chamber and eTEAM awards local business owners

The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce in partnership with eTEAM has announced the recipients of the 2015 Rising Star and Spark Award during the 8th Annual Jumpstart Entrepreneur Conference this wweek. 
In attendance were more than 100 aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners in the Genesee County area working to take their dreams to a higher level. The keynote speaker was Mark Rice II, President of Loving Adult and Senior Care Services
The chamber's eTEAM is "a regional collaboration of entrepreneurial service providers working to connect local entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources to promote growth and success," the chamber said in a press release. Read more: M Live

Chamber planning: Ocean Springs making preparations for 6th annual St. Patrick's Day celebration

City and chamber of commerce officials here are making preparations for Ocean Springs' 6th St. Patrick's Day Celebration in the downtown area March 17.
The chamber is billing the event as starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 8:30 p.m., featuring the chamber-sponsored "Dessert Crawl," in which patrons will ride on Gulf Coast Transit trolleys to different restaurants in the city, sampling different St. Pat's-themed desserts along the way.
Then there's the pub crawl. It carries no official designation as such and isn't affiliated with the city, but it will happen, nonetheless.
Downtown bar owners are making their own preparations for the event. Chris Collier, owner of The Office, delivered a permit request to the city Monday which would allow him to once again park a beer trailer on Government Street from which green beer will be sold. Read more: GulfLive


Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Top Ten Reasons to join the chamber!

We Promote, Connect, and Advocate for our Members

Year around promotion and networking are at the top of the list.
The Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit membership association with 391 members comprised of 10,946 employees.  We are volunteer driven with a Board of Directors, three full time staff, and thirteen volunteer committees who help implement the Chamber business plan.
These are just a sampling of the programs and opportunities the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce offers. The Chamber's mission is to promote our community, businesses and a strong economy and a high quality of life. The following benefits assist in fulfilling our mission and providing valuable benefits to Chamber members.
Sun Prairie Chamber Mission Statement: To foster, promote and protect the business interest of our members and to create a positive economic, political, educational and social climate in Sun Prairie.
View "The Value of Chamber Membership" - a study conducted by The Schapiro Group, Inc and Market Street Services interviewed 2000 people nationwide; click here
Networking:
Luncheons and Mixers are offered monthly September through May. The annual Golf outing offers an informal opportunity for networking. Attend these opportunities and people will get to know and support you as a business partner, customer or client.
Promotion, Advertising: Website promotion includes a member database online with a location map, contact information, descriptive copy and promotional space for a special offer. FREE website links are provided to members! Our website receives nearly 2 million hits per year. Members are promoted in print publications and newspaper features. Advertising open only to members includes the annual Community Guide (distribution 18,000 annually) and Community Map. Newsletter inserts are available to members for targeted marketing. Members participating in the Gift Certificate or Key Tag program receive free advertising benefits.
Sponsorships—stretch your marketing dollars: The annual Sweet Corn Festival will put your business in front of 100,000 people. Member luncheons, the Annual Meeting, Golf Outing, Groundhog Day celebration and more—give you the opportunity to target your marketing to a specific audience and require minimal staff costs on your part—thus minimizing your costs but maximizing your reach. Chamber staff coordinate ad plans, signage and logo placement for your investment and camera ready art. Sponsors are included in website promotion as well. Events bring visitors to Sun Prairie; visitors spend $ in our stores, restaurants, hotels and more.
Services: The Chamber Care Health Insurance program is open only to Members. Member and Business mailing labels and lists are available at a nominal fee or free to members, while non-members pay a substantial fee. Free listings in the Community Guide and Chamber website. Access to business information via Chamber from sources such as Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Small Business Administration and more.
Referrals: Chamber staff receive thousands of calls annually about Sun Prairie. Staff refer ONLY chamber members to inquiries. Businesses gain credibility via their membership with the Chamber.
Members support Members: Chamber members make it a point to support fellow members whenever possible.
Publications: Annual Community Guide features a listing of all Chamber members free of charge. The monthly newsletter keeps members informed of Chamber news, current events, pertinent issues and more.
Stronger voice in government: A collective voice via Chamber membership enables your business to make a greater impact on government issues affecting businesses.
Community Improvement: Membership in the Chamber of Commerce is an investment in your community. The Chamber works with various community organizations such as the Business Improvement District, The Downtowners Association, Business & Education Partnership, Sun Prairie Schools, City of Sun Prairie and more to help effect positive change for our community. Your membership provides the resources to continue these partnerships and positions you as a company/organization who gives back to the community.
Education—support of:
The Chamber is a member of and supports the Business & Education partnership in Sun Prairie and offers educational seminars to Members. Helping to create a strong, well-educated workforce is a Chamber goal.
Programs/Projects include:

• monthly member luncheons for networking and keeping current on community issues
• educational seminars
• member mixers
• annual Community Guide and bi-annual Community Map production
• government affairs newspage, "How to Run for Public Office" workshop and business advocacy
• Ambassador visits to new & expanding businesses, and ribbon cuttings
• Halloween Business Spooktacular
• Keytag program
• Online Coupon promotion
• Business to Business Services program
• Restaurant Week Promotion
• CEO Roundtables in cooperation with three Dane Co. Chambers
• Gift Certificate Program
• Annual meeting and silent auction
• Leadership Sun Prairie adult education program
• Golf outing
• Bowling Tourney
• Sweet Corn Festival - attracts visitors nationwide
• Taste of the Arts Fair - community event
• Member orientations
• additional programs and events per our member's needs and requests

Members are encouraged to display information at the Chamber office. Member employees are encouraged to attend and participate at whatever level they are able to in order to gain the most out of membership.
Thanks to our current members for their support. If you'd like to become a member, check out our site and the "Contact Us" navigation to inquire about membership, or, just call our office at 837-4547 or e-mail atspchamber(at)frontier.com.
Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce - working to promote Sun Prairie.
We promote our members and the community, connect members to other members via networking opportunities, educate our members via business seminars and member luncheons and advocate for our members.
We are not part of city government.  We are not funded with city tax dollars.  The Chamber budget is generated by the Chamber via fundraising events such as Corn Fest, the Golf Outing, the raffle fundraiser, member dues and products such as the community guide.  We pay property taxes, personal property taxes and taxes to the Business Improvement District. 

Quincy (Illinois) Chamber of Commerce announces Dogwood parade theme

Quincy 175 is this years' theme

“Quincy 175” is the theme of the 2015 Dogwood Parade. The festival weekend is slated for May 1-3 and will include concerts downtown featuring a variety of genres of music, a parade down Maine Street, and activities in Washington Park, among others.
In keeping with the theme of the city’s 175^th anniversary, parade participants are encouraged to create floats that celebrate anniversaries or milestones of their companies/organizations. Participants are welcome to take photos of their entries during construction, while waiting for the parade to begin, and while walking on the parade route and post them to their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts tagged with #Quincy175.
“We want the parade and our celebration weekend to be a trending topic across the country,” said Amy Looten, executive director of the Chamber. Read more: Quincy Journal


Friday: 157 Rules for Executive Success in Organization Management (and your Chamber of Commerce) by Patrick McGaughey

RULE #62      Lease membership plaques

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Elects New Chair; Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce recognized as an outstanding chamber in Michigan; Chamber Economics: Oklahoma Inc.: Energy growth continues in Oklahoma; Wisconsin Rapids initiative: Heavy Metal Bus Tour explores manufacturing careers; Chamber issue: $4.5 million South Sioux City road overhaul nears finish; Chamber Economic Development: SynergyTech hosts H.O.T. Day to raise awareness about manufacturing; Chamber partnership: Local Business Retention and Expansion Program Holds Orientation Meeting; Chamber Tweet of the Day: Detroit Chamber Chamber Study: Indiana needs $10M for water planning; Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)

Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Elects New Chair

Terry Dunn, President & CEO of JE Dunn Construction Group, was unanimously elected the new Chair of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. His term will begin November 1, 2014, succeeding previous Chair Roshann Parris, President & CEO, Parris Communications.

Dunn becomes only the second person in Chamber history to serve more than one term as Chair of the KC Chamber. The first was Conrad Mann, who held the post from 1928 to 1934. Dunn says he’s looking forward to once again serving as Chamber Chair, adding, “Entrepreneurship and Kansas City’s economic competitiveness will be my top priorities during the coming year.” Read more: Kansas City Infozine

Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce recognized as an outstanding chamber in Michigan

The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce was recognized with a 2014 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award by the The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals at the association’s conference in Muskegon, Oct. 2.
“The Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce received this award based on its accomplishments in leadership and governance, financial stewardship, business advocacy and member programming,” said Bob Thomas, Director for the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals.Read more: The Oakland Press

Chamber Economics: Oklahoma Inc.: Energy growth continues in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s energy industry has accounted for about 20 percent of all the jobs in the state and almost two-thirds of the jobs created since the recession ended in 2010.

The ongoing oil and natural gas boom continued to drive the state economy over the past year, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and directing hundreds of millions of dollars to state coffers.

The energy industry has accounted for about 20 percent of all the jobs in the state and almost two-thirds of the jobs created since the recession ended in 2010, Oklahoma City University economist Russell Evans said.
“When you look at the economic impact of the oil and gas industry, it dwarfs almost anything else we look at,” said Evans, executive director of Oklahoma City University’s Steven C. Agee Economic Research and Policy Institute. “Oklahoma’s economy is founded upon an energy-based economy.”
The boom also propelled most of the state’s energy companies to strong gains over the past year as the industry swept the Oklahoma Inc. top 10.
“It confirms the story we’ve been telling — that Oklahoma City has become the center of domestic oil and gas exploration,” said Roy Williams, president of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. “Houston is the international center, but when you look at what’s going on in the United States, we are the leader now.” Read more: NewsOK.com

Wisconsin Rapids initiative: Heavy Metal Bus Tour explores manufacturing careers

Local businesses opened their doors to about 45 high school sophomores Wednesday to teach the students about careers in manufacturing.
Wednesday's event was the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce's fifth Heavy Metal Bus Tour, created to pique students' interests in manufacturing-related jobs by linking them with local employers.
"As the baby boomers retire, we are going to have more jobs in this community than we have people to fill them," said Melissa Reichert, Chamber of Commerce president. "So we are going to need word-of-mouth from students, parents and anyone who cares about the community, to develop the workforce we need for these positions." WisconsinRapidsTribune.com

Chamber issue: $4.5 million South Sioux City road overhaul nears finish

Businesses affected by a nearly six-month road construction project on Dakota Avenue are hoping residents will resume their former shopping habits. Ten blocks were upgraded.
The reconstruction project, which started in early May, was designed to address safety concerns and fix drainage issues along one of the city's main thoroughfares. The street is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday.
"This has been difficult for all our businesses along South Dakota Avenue," said Lori Warner, president of the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce. Read more: Sioux City Journal

Chamber Economic Development: SynergyTech hosts H.O.T. Day to raise awareness about manufacturing

Steve Cox, vice president of Economic Development with the Rogers-Lowell chamber also said reshoring is changing the dynamic in Northwest Arkansas.
 
“The recent onshoring initiatives have had an impact in NWA,” Cox said. “Companies are not only looking at our area as a place to operate a new business which will create new jobs and help improve the local economy, but it also has in impact in existing businesses by creating more demand for local sourcing like raw materials, plastic molds, or shipping and logistics.” Read more: The City Wire

Chamber partnership: Local Business Retention and Expansion Program Holds Orientation Meeting

Over 22 community leaders met at Belle Plaine City Hall last Tuesday evening to prepare for the community’s economic future. The two-hour meeting was the orientation and formal kickoff of the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) program, which is jointly sponsored by the Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce, Xcel Energy and Scott County Community Development Agency.
The BR&E program is receiving technical and research support from the University of Minnesota Extension Agency. Last Tuesday night’s orientation program was led by Michael Darger, program director of BR&E, and Chelsea Alger, Belle Plaine community development director.
“Existing firms are the best sources of growth we have in our community. We want to find out how we can help them to grow. We have a great team in place to work on this and we expect excellent results,” said Kelly Melo, Belle Plaine Chamber of Commerce executive director and BR&E visitation coordinator.
The program is designed to stimulate economic development by assisting existing industry, according to Darger. He pointed out that to assist industry, a community must first identify industries’ needs and problems and then address those concerns to improve the local business climate. Read more: Belle Plaine Herald

Chamber Tweet of the Day:  Detroit Chamber



Detroit Chamber ‏@DetroitChamber 10m10 minutes ago

.@Oakgov's new #Tech248 initiative aims to grow & connect the county's emerging tech industry: http://ow.ly/DJSt3 

Chamber Study: Indiana needs $10M for water planning

The author of a study on the link between water and Indiana's economy is calling on region environmental leaders to push for a state planner dedicated to turning the data into action.
The perceived problem, he said, is the annual $10 million budget it would take to make it happen.
"The political leaders right now realize this is important but don't know what to do and are afraid it will be labeled a tax," Jack Wittman, principal geoscientist for Bloomington's Intera Inc, said. "That's $1.75 per person per year in the state and we won't pay it."
Wittman spoke to the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission's Environmental Management and Policy Committee meeting earlier this month at the commission's Portage office.
Wittman was commissioned by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to review data on current and predicted water use and population growth in an effort to forecast future water needs and resources. The study was released in August. Read more: NWI Times

Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Leadership)


“Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determinations.” ~ John Seaman Garns 

Forbes 46/50